John Cooke, Jr

John Cooke, Jr, 97, of Danville, IL passed away on September 19, 2025 at Accolade Healthcare in Danville, IL. John was born on July 12, 1928 the son of John and Elvira (Guliani) Cooke, Sr in Westville, IL. John married Charlotte Ann Skinner on November 17, 1956 in Westville, IL and she preceded him in death on August 25, 2013.

Survivors include one son, Tim (Bonnie) Cooke of Ridge Farm; three daughters, Louise VanBuren of Danville, Lori Duprey of Danville, and Lynn (Jeff) Nogoda of Bourbonnais, IL, grandchildren, Amber Dawn (Kris) Martinez of Chrisman, and Amy Nicole (Sam) Freeland of Champaign, TJ Cooke of Ridge Farm, Alex and John Duprey of Danville, Truli Gilespie and Duane Duprey, also of Danville, and Ashley (Cole) Doolittle of Brookfield, WI, great grandchildren, Riley Freeland of Champaign, Willa Martinez of Chrisman and Reed Doolittle of Brookfield, WI. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law, Greg VanBuren, son-in-law Lee Duprey, granddaughter Emily Bledsoe, a great-granddaughter, Hannah Nicole Winters, brothers Alex Cooke and Louie Cooke and sisters Louise Pedigo and Leona Payne and special friend Bob Deck.

John served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1950-1953 and retired from Lauhoff Grain/Bunge Milling. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed spending his free time hunting, fishing, helping his wife clean their home and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Accolade Healthcare Staff for their loving care of John during his time there.

A Celebration of Life for John will be held at Noon on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Pastor Joe Humrichous will officiate. Committal rites will be at the Danville National Cemetery Committal Shelter at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Military Rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 210 Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 10:00-Noon on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice in John’s memory.

Please join John’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .